Josh Wells’ Post

Okay, raise your hand if this is your favorite series so far. It might be mine, I haven't decided yet. But we sure are having a lot of fun. This week, for The Professionals Series, we are talking about our favorite characters who are playing Actors. That's right - actors playing actors, who knew? Talking about these characters was great fun for us. While he didn't make the list, I continue to think about Leonardo DiCaprio's performace in a little Woody Allen movie called CELEBRITY, from 1998. This was, of course, coming off of Leo's huge star-making turn in TITANIC so it's ironic that he's an actor playing a typical celebrity actor. Maybe not so many women in his bed, though, I don't know. Just like any other role, actors playing actors dive deep into research. They study the mannerisms, speech patterns, and body language of actors both past and present to capture the essence of their character's profession. Actors portraying actors might find themselves reflecting on their own experiences in the industry. Drawing from personal anecdotes, struggles, and triumphs can add authenticity to their portrayal and create a layered performance that resonates with audiences (Annie and I had 1 bit of overlap in this show, and it's a reflection of this point here.) What do you think of our list? We'd love to hear your thoughts - hello@thetopfivepodcast.com

StageviewTV and Ballinran Entertainment developing unscripted series led by actor Bruce Horak Series features Star Trek: Strange New World actor Horak, who is legally blind, paint portraits of people who have overcome adversity. Bruce Horak, the first legally blind actor to play a character in the Star Trek universe, has signed on to Boldly Going, an unscripted series in development at Stratford, Ont.-based Ballinran Entertainment. Ballinran will produce the series in association with indie arts streamer Stageview.TV. The prodco is currently shopping the series to broadcast and distribution partners across North America, with president J. Craig T. and M. Vernon Freedlander serving as executive producers. The series follows Calgary-born Horak, who plays Chief Engineer Hemmer on Paramount+ series Star Trek: Strange New Worlds, on a global quest to meet accomplished individuals from arts, politics, business and science who have overcome adversity or disability to achieve success. Each episode will feature Horak, who is legally blind after losing 90% of his vision as a child, as he travels to paint a portrait of the featured individuals based their conversations and interactions. “I’m addicted to learning how people create when ultimately the odds are stacked up against them,” said Horak in a statement. “Seventy-five percent of disabled people are unemployed or underemployed and I’m in the only 1% of those that actually makes a living as a creative artist, so the bar is set fairly high.” “Those of us who are fully sighted and navigate the world with ease each day take a lot of things for granted,” added Thompson. “It’s our hope, as we travel along with Bruce on his journey in this series, that the viewing audience, will be able to experience some very valuable and enlightening insights into how others who have disabilities are successfully navigating the world… that there’s not just one singular way, there’s many ways to lead a fulfilling creative thriving life.” Read more: https://lnkd.in/gG5KJCmB

Ever found yourself in the kitchen, conducting what feels like a symphony with your appliances? Here I am, three years into my new reality of blindness, and my ears have decided they’re on a mission to overachieve. They’ve turned every hum and buzz into a full-on narrative. Take my blender, for instance. It’s no longer just a blender but the lead vocalist in my imaginary kitchen band, wailing away as if it’s auditioning for a talent show. This heightened sense of hearing isn’t all standing ovations and roses, though. Sometimes, it’s more like being in the middle of a melodrama over a simple smoothie. I find myself interrogating the blender, “Hey, are you okay? Is that noise a cry for help, or are you just excited about these bananas?” And let’s not forget the detective adventure sparked by a sneaky bottle top. Thanks to my ears playing the role of the kitchen’s Sherlock Holmes, crisis was averted, but really, who knew a day in the life could be this theatrical? But the comedy doesn’t stop there. There’s also the mystery of the phantom door knocker. Imagine being pulled from the coziness of your bed, tiptoeing through the house like a character in a suspense movie, only to discover it’s just the wind’s latest prank. It’s like the universe decided to throw in some practical jokes, just to keep things interesting. Navigating this world of newfound sounds, I often pause and wonder, “Is it just me, or is everyone else also part of this unseen comedy club?” Every unexpected noise turns into a moment of suspense, followed by a burst of laughter at my own reactions. So, next time you hear something odd, ask yourself: is it really there, or are we just part of an elaborate sound illusion? Let’s keep listening, and maybe we’ll find the answer together.

From Deadline: Apple TV + has boarded the fast-paced German medical drama KRANK Berlin. Apple has joined ZDF.neo on the eight-part series, which is from VIOLET PICTURES and REAL FILM Berlin GmbH and co-created by former British emergency room physician turned screenwriter Samuel Jefferson and Brimstone and Glory maker Viktor Jakovleski. Apple will take global rights, with pubcaster ZDF showing it in #Germany. The series was one of the last Sky Deutschland GmbH ordered before it pulled out of original scripted commissioning almost a year ago. Dozens of projects then returned to the market, with ZDFneo jumping on KRANK Berlin. Shooting wrapped in East Berlin late last year. The series is Apple’s latest investment in the German #TV market. To date, it has ordered one series outright, UFA Fiction’s comedy Where’s Wanda?, and boarded sci-fi epic Constellation, which was made by Turbine Studios Germany and Haut et Court from #France with an international cast. We understand the streamer has been in development on a handful of other projects. #streaming #Europe

George Clooney and Brad Pitt Reunite in “Wolves” on Apple TV+ https://buff.ly/3Vya8mM Excitement is in the air as George Clooney and Brad Pitt, two of Hollywood's most beloved actors, team up once again for the highly anticipated Apple TV+ movie, "Wolves." Directed by the talented Jon Watts, known for his work on the "Spider-Man" trilogy, this film promises to deliver a thrilling blend of action and comedy that fans won't want to miss. The Plot "Wolves" centers around two lone wolf fixers, played by Clooney and Pitt, who find themselves hired for the same job. As they delve deeper into their assignment, they uncover a conspiracy that challenges their professional ethics and personal limits. This narrative promises a gripping ride filled with tension, humor, and unexpected twists, making it a must-watch for fans of both actors. The Cast Apart from the dynamic duo of Clooney and Pitt, the film features a stellar supporting cast: - Amy Ryan: Known for her nuanced performances in "Gone Baby Gone" and "The Office," Ryan adds depth to the film's character ensemble. - Austin Abrams: Bringing his unique talent to the mix, Abrams' role is sure to add an interesting layer to the plot. - Poorna Jagannathan: Her presence in the film promises to add further intrigue and complexity. Release Date Mark your calendars! "Wolves" is set to be released on September 20, 2024. It will be available for streaming on Apple TV+ and will also receive a theatrical release through Columbia Pictures. This dual release strategy ensures that whether you prefer watching from the comfort of your home or the immersive experience of a theater, you won’t miss out on this cinematic event. Fan Theories and Anticipation The reunion of Clooney and Pitt has sparked a flurry of fan theories and speculations. Given their history of delivering clever, engaging performances, fans are expecting a film filled with sharp dialogues and intricate plot twists. Some believe the film will explore themes of loyalty and betrayal within the criminal underworld, adding emotional depth to the action-packed story. Director Jon Watts has shared some exciting insights, describing "Wolves" as a film that pushes boundaries and takes risks. His vision is to balance intense action sequences with moments of introspection, allowing the characters to evolve and breathe, which sets high expectations for this release. Behind the Scenes The excitement isn't just limited to the on-screen action. Behind the scenes, Jon Watts' direction promises a masterclass in storytelling. His approach combines high-stakes action with character-driven narratives, making "Wolves" not just a visual spectacle but also a deeply engaging story. Both Clooney and Pitt have expressed their enthusiasm for the project, teasing that it stands out even among their illustrious careers. Their passion and commitment to the film a…

Participating and acting in Mark Garvey's "Idea Man" series has been such an eye opening experience as a sound producer, as I was able to observe and enjoy other sides of a multimedia project. Where I usually focus sound and it's quality, this time I was able to delve into the script and performance, such primordial elements of a visual production, the source that gets captured by camera and microphones, the raw essence of it all. As a musician and music producer, I can see it as the difference from an arrangement/production and the song itself and its live performance. Fascinating! Engaging with the script has been very interesting as I am co-producing a historical fiction audio/podcast series based on Ancient Roman figure Mark Antony, called 'On Drunkenness', and it's given me more perspective on how crucial and complex it is to craft the right script. I really do find it fascinating and can't wait to spend the rest of my professional career working with scripts and the geniuses that write them words. All my respect to you writers out there!! - "Idea Man" is a series of 9 half-hour-ish episodes following our hero’s journey through the contexts of work, rest, and play. 3 consecutive episodes take place in each setting, and corresponds to "Idea Man’s" 3 volumes that each have their own distinct style and tone. Somewhere between dark comedy and soppy romcom, or existential nightmare and scathing satire, "Idea Man" mischievously pokes fun at downtrodden teachers, absurd artists, and trendy hipsters (and much, much more), but it does so with a wholesome warm gooey heart. Here's episode 7 featuring me as Ruben, a ridiculous hipster influencer. Enjoy: https://lnkd.in/egEmyAMK

Explore the emotional impact of portraying dark characters in entertainment in our latest feature on Famous Times! 🎭🌑 Delve into the complexities faced by actors who take on challenging roles that explore the darker aspects of human nature. Learn about the psychological toll, artistic challenges, and personal insights from portraying such characters. Gain insights into how actors navigate between fiction and reality, maintaining mental health and authenticity in their performances. Whether you're a fan of intense dramas, a performer, or intrigued by the psychology of acting, join us in examining the profound emotional journeys of portraying dark characters in entertainment. Stay informed about the latest trends and stories in acting and performance. #Acting #DarkCharacters #EmotionalImpact https://lnkd.in/dK8swT8z

Happy Friday! In this issue we have "extreme experiences" of formats, a "role talent show" and a spin-off of a classic quiz (but we prefer the original version ;). And as a bonus, lots of news in a nutshell! SUBSCRIBE to the world’s most followed independent FREE NEWSLETTER to get a different perspective on the UNSCRIPTED around the world by clicking the RED BUTTON in the articles. https://lnkd.in/dMZjfCjJ

What can standup comics teach us about learning? A comedian proposes jokes, waits for laughs, and invalidates or refines based on raw audience feedback. The full act is the product of elimination: removing everything that's not funny. This ongoing process of action and feedback — conjecture and criticism — is how we make progress. No amount of thinking, waiting, researching, or studying an idea will invalidate our bad ones.

Carla Gugino has been astatine the halfway of immoderate of my favourite movies and TV shows for arsenic agelong arsenic I tin remember. If you rapidly look astatine her IMDb, her credits truly talk for themselves. From Spy Kids to Watchmen to being a formidable unit successful respective of manager and writer Mike Flanagan's fearfulness projects, Carla has made her people successful countless genres and has created galore memorable characters. Like, I inactive deliberation astir Olivia Crain from The Haunting of Hill House at slightest erstwhile a week. Now, she's adding different compelling and beardown pistillate quality to her resume with The Girls connected the Bus. Inspired by Amy Chozick's publication Chasing Hillary and her enactment arsenic a journalist, the caller bid follows 4 pistillate journalists who are connected the run way for an upcoming statesmanlike election. Carla stars arsenic Grace, a seasoned newsman who acts arsenic a mentor and person to Sadie, played by Melissa Benoist. So to observe The Girls connected the Bus, Carla sat down with maine to sermon bringing this quality to life. She shared however she joined the project, her favourite Grace country successful Episode 4, and more. And, we adjacent recovered clip to look backmost astatine immoderate of her different iconic movie and TV roles. Here's everything we chatted about: THEN: For the past fewer years, you've go an important portion of Mike Flanagan's fearfulness projects and are 1 of the champion fearfulness actors close now, in my opinion. How has it been gathering the narration with Mike implicit the years since Gerald's Game successful 2017? That's precise benignant of you to say. I've ne'er gravitated toward horror, per se. Meaning, I emotion immoderate genre done well. So I'm successful for each of it. But it was funny; I wasn't looking to bash that, adjacent though fearfulness has evidently been an highly palmy genre for rather immoderate clip now. But what I was truly compelled by was Mike's dependable arsenic a filmmaker, and with Gerald's Game, you know, it was ever considered an un-adaptable publication by Stephen King. Also, idiosyncratic was attached to play the relation before. So, from the infinitesimal that I spoke to Mike Flanagan to the infinitesimal we were filming Gerald's Game, it was virtually 2 weeks.  So, to travel connected to that relation successful that project, successful which I was chained to a furniture wrong that play of time, was a existent risk. And I thought, We're either going to bash thing truly peculiar here, oregon this is the extremity of my career. You cognize what I mean? There's nary mediate crushed here. I'm truthful thankful that it was the former. But really, it was maine talking to him erstwhile helium was scouting successful...